2001 McLaren F1 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2001 McLaren F1 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 498 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 348 kg more than 2001 McLaren F1.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 470 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 McLaren F1 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | McLaren | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F1 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6063 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3400 mm |
